No brand has control over the eyewear industry like Ray-Ban does. Since their emergence back in the 50s, their stylish glasses have been donning faces all over the world, with newer, modern versions catching our attention in recent years. With a notable talent for style, it can be hard to choose between the original Wayfarers and the New Wayfarers. Although similar, both have some unique design features which are worth considering before making your decision. So which are for you?

Original Ray-Bans vs. New Wayfarers: Overview

While the Original Ray-Ban Wayfarers continue to be a staple of the classic retro style, they were first introduced over 60 years ago. As such, Ray-Ban created a new, modernized version of the traditional in 2001. Taking on the classic shape and modernizing it with streamlined design and softer lines, Ray-Ban was able to create a new style, appealing to modern admirers of the classical aesthetic.

Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer

First introduced in 1956, the Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer features a distinctive trapezoid-shaped frame with thick rims and a slightly curved design. The iconic Original Ray-Bans were worn by celebrities and cultural icons for decades, making the Original Wayfarer synonymous with retro-cool style.

New Wayfarer

Originally designed as a modernized version of the classic, the New Wayfarer boasts a sleeker profile with softer angles and smaller dimensions. Overall, the New Wayfarer offers a more contemporary take, with the goal of maintaining the original style essence while appealing to a broader range of modern-day audiences.

Main Differences

When comparing Original Ray-Bans with new Wayfarers, the key differences can be noticed in the glasses’ size and style.

Size

  • Classic Wayfarers: Since the original frames stick to their 1950s roots, they have a larger lens. These are also narrower and have a slightly larger frame height.
  • New Wayfarers: These stylish glasses are slightly smaller in height and have wider frames, giving them a more full, modern look.

Style

  • Classic Wayfarers: The style and shape of these frames are probably the most notable differences between the two models. The originals have a more angular top corner of the frame, which carries that vintage retro appearance that so many of us love. These also have more of a vertical tilt to the overall framework, which makes them hug the head closer to the brow line.
  • New Wayfarers: The more modern design is less angular and more flush by the brow line. The frames as a whole have a more streamlined design, which makes them less bulky when wearing them.

Which is Right for You?

When deciding the best style for you, it’s always wise to try them on first. When you do, focus on how they feel and look.

If you enjoy a larger frame and retro style, then your best choice is the classic frames. However, if you have higher cheekbones or even long lashes, the traditional style may feel a little more uncomfortable for you since the structure is held closer to the face than the newer ones.

When you’re feeling indecisive, come by Laurier Optical to try both styles on for yourself! There’s no better way to figure out which is right for you than seeing how they look and feel when you wear them. We offer a wide variety of classic and modern-style frames for you to choose from.

No brand has control over the eyewear industry like Ray-Ban does. Since their emergence back in the 50s, their stylish glasses have been donning faces all over the world with newer, modern versions catching our attention in recent years. With a notable talent for style, it can be hard to choose between the original Wayfarers and the New Wayfarers. Although similar, both have some unique design features which are worth considering before making your decision. So which are for you?

Size

Classic Wayfarers – Since the original frames stick to their 1950s roots, they have a larger lens. These are also narrower and have a slightly larger frame height.

New Wayfarers – These stylish glasses are slightly smaller in height and have wider frames, giving them a more full, modern look.

Style

Classic Wayfarers – The style and shape of these frames are probably the most notable differences between the two models. The originals have a more angular top corner of the frame, which carries that vintage retro appearance that so many of us love. These also have more of a vertical tilt to the overall framework which makes them hug the head closer to brow line.

New Wayfarers – The more modern design is less angular and more flush by the brow line. The frames as a whole have a more streamlined design, which makes them less bulky when wearing them.

Which is Right for You?

When deciding the best style for you, it’s always wise to try them on first. When you do, focus on how they feel and look.

If you enjoy a larger frame and retro style, then your best choice is the classic frames. However, if you have higher cheekbones or even long lashes, the traditional style may feel a little more uncomfortable for you since the structure is held in closer to the face than the newer ones.

When you’re feeling indecisive, come by Laurier Optical to try both styles on for yourself! There’s no better way to figure out which is right for you than checking out how they look and feel when you wear them. We offer a large variety of both classic and modern style frames for you to choose from.